At a Glance
- Tasks: Help individuals with mental health needs secure meaningful employment and improve their wellbeing.
- Company: Shaw Trust, a social purpose organisation dedicated to breaking down barriers.
- Benefits: Permanent contract, full-time role, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Dynamic community-focused role with opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Transform lives through employment support and advocate for social mobility.
- Qualifications: Experience with mental health support and one-on-one client interaction.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
At Shaw Trust we believe everyone has the right to live a decent and dignified life and an opportunity for rewarding work. We are a social purpose organisation challenging inequality and breaking down barriers to enable social mobility.
For us being part of the solution is about creating the conditions for this to happen, advocating and delivering services that make a real difference. Working in partnership not competition, we are part of an eco-system of purpose-led organisations, striving for a fairer, more equal society centred on opportunity for all.
Working with clients, health professionals, service providers and employers, IPS Employment Specialists are focused on making sure a person’s journey into employment, with associated improved social inclusion and wellbeing is as easy as possible. You will work with clients (managing a caseload) who have mental health support needs, to assist them in securing sustainable paid employment in line with their preferences. Your role will be to deliver the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) approach (for which training will be given); providing person centred advice and guidance to clients, whilst building positive relationships with local employers to enable clients to move into suitable employment.
You will work as part of a community mental health team and/or early intervention psychosis team or Improving Access to Psychological Therapy (IAPT) team, maintaining positive and integrated relationships, fostering a holistic approach to recovery through employment.
As an IPS Employment Specialist, you will need to be an able communicator, passionate about getting it right and focused on transforming individual lives through sustainable solutions. This role is a peripatetic and will work the majority of time in the community or at clinical hubs. There is no/minimal home working as part of this role.
You will work with people on their individual employment journey from vocational profiling to the point where they no longer require face to face in work support. The six key stages on a typical journey are: outreach/referral; vocational profiling; action planning; job search activities (including working on a one to one basis with employers to match people with appropriate employment); job placement and coordinating support whilst in employment; managing withdrawal of support as the in work support is no longer required.
Essential:
- You will have experience/understanding of working with people with mental health support needs, or a similar client group within health, social services or the voluntary sector.
- Experience of working with someone on a one-to-one basis.
- Proven experience of meeting and exceeding outcomes and targets.
- Experience of managing multiple tasks at any one time.
- Previous experience of working assertively to influence decision makers.
- Experience of supporting people to obtain or keep work.
Employment Specialist – SW Kent / Tunbridge Wells employer: IPS Grow
At Shaw Trust, we are dedicated to creating a supportive and inclusive work environment where every employee can thrive. Our commitment to social purpose means that as an Employment Specialist in SW Kent/Tunbridge Wells, you will not only have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on individuals' lives but also benefit from a culture of collaboration and professional growth. With comprehensive training and a focus on community engagement, we empower our staff to develop their skills while working towards a fairer society.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Employment Specialist – SW Kent / Tunbridge Wells
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in your field. Attend local events, workshops, or even online webinars. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your pitch! You never know when you'll meet someone who could help you land a job. Have a quick, engaging summary of who you are and what you're looking for ready to go. Make it memorable!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply – follow up! After sending your application, reach out to the hiring manager or recruiter. A simple email can show your enthusiasm and keep you on their radar. We love proactive candidates!
✨Tip Number 4
Use our website to find opportunities tailored to you! We’ve got loads of resources and job listings that can help you find the right fit. Don’t miss out on applying through us – we’re here to support your journey!
We think you need these skills to ace Employment Specialist – SW Kent / Tunbridge Wells
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Employment Specialist role. Highlight your experience with mental health support needs and how you've helped individuals secure employment. We want to see how you can make a difference!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:As an Employment Specialist, you'll need to be a great communicator. Use your application to demonstrate your ability to build relationships and work collaboratively. Share examples of how you've effectively communicated with clients or employers in the past.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Don’t forget to mention any previous roles where you’ve worked one-on-one with clients or managed multiple tasks. We’re looking for proven experience, so be specific about your achievements and how they relate to this position.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team at Shaw Trust!
How to prepare for a job interview at IPS Grow
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the IPS approach and how it applies to supporting clients with mental health needs. Familiarise yourself with Shaw Trust's mission and values, as well as the specific challenges faced by the client group you'll be working with.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare examples from your past work where you've successfully supported individuals in their employment journey. Highlight any experience you have in managing caseloads or working one-on-one with clients, as this will demonstrate your ability to meet the role's requirements.
✨Build Rapport
During the interview, focus on your communication skills. Practice active listening and show genuine interest in the interviewers' questions. Building a connection can help convey your passion for transforming lives through employment.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the role and the team dynamics. Inquire about the support systems in place for clients and how success is measured. This shows your enthusiasm for the position and your commitment to making a difference.
